LOW BACK PAIN AND THEIR RISK FACTORS AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN RAJSHAHI CITY CORPORATION, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a nonspecific condition of acute or chronic pain in or near the lumbosacral spines that can be caused by inflammatory, degenerative, neoplastic, gynecologic, traumatic, metabolic, or other disorders. LBP is a universal health problem. It is a common experience in the life of almost every human being, as well as a growing cause of direct and indirect costs for the social systems in many industrialized countries. The aim of the study was to find out the characteristics and risk factors of low back pain among the healthcare providers working in Rajshahi City Corporation. This study was based on a quantitative and analytical cross-sectional design. This design was chosen because it is useful and less expensive and enables the researchers to meet the study objectives in a short period of time. In the present study, risk factors like age, sex, knowledge, body weight, BMI and dietary habits were not found to be related to low back pain of the respondent. Rather history of lifting heavy weights, sedentary lifestyle, occupational hazards, defective posture, unhealthy sitting habits and lack of initiative in maintaining healthy lifestyle practices and Non-compliance towards preventive measures were identified as risk factors for their low back pain. Active pain was absent among about 50% study population. Among most of the respondent there was no radiation of pain to the thigh or leg. The posture aggravating pain was sitting. Walking also intensified their pain.  As healthcare provider, the respondent are well aware about the risk factors of low back pain. But, like Non-medical professionals they are also reluctant to take preventive measures and in accepting proper management of the health problem from qualified medical personnel.  Lifestyle of modern society itself act as a precipitating factor in causing low back pain.Educational programs and counseling on prevention and coping strategies for musculoskeletal disorders be made mandatory for healthcare professionals in order to reduce the rate of occupational musculoskeletal disorders. Practice of short time physical training of light exercises may improve the situation.